Planes, Trains And Automobiles - A Holiday Classic
When thinking about holiday gatherings and the sometimes wild trip to get there, one particular picture often comes to mind. This 1987 funny movie, a true American road trip picture, has a way of capturing the very real difficulties and unexpected moments that can happen when you are trying to make your way home for a special family meal. It is, you could say, a story that many people find themselves going back to year after year, especially around a certain autumn holiday. So, it really does hold a special spot in a lot of hearts.
The story, which features some truly memorable acting, centers on a marketing professional from Chicago who just has to get back to his family. This trip home, however, turns into quite the adventure, filled with all sorts of setbacks and a rather surprising traveling partner. It’s a picture that, in some respects, shows us how even the most frustrating situations can lead to unexpected friendships and a whole lot of laughs along the way. That, is that, a big part of why it keeps its appeal.
What makes this film stand out, many people feel, is how well it was put together and the genuine qualities of the folks who brought the characters to life. It’s not just a collection of funny bits; it’s a thoughtfully made story where everything seems to unfold with ease. You know, it’s almost like the people involved were just made for these parts, and that makes all the difference. Very, very few films manage to capture that kind of natural feel.
Table of Contents
- Who brought us this story of trains planes and automobiles?
- What makes this story of trains planes and automobiles so special?
- How do the characters handle their travel troubles with trains planes and automobiles?
- Beyond the laughs - what else can we find in trains planes and automobiles?
Who brought us this story of trains planes and automobiles?
This particular picture, a humorous account of a trip, came out in 1987. It was a project that had one person, John Hughes, at its core. He was the one who put the words on paper, oversaw its making, and guided the actors through their parts. So, in a way, he was truly the driving force behind this entire production. It’s pretty clear that his vision shaped the whole thing, from the very first idea to the final cut you see on screen. He really did have a hand in every part of bringing this story to life.
The creative mind behind the trip
John Hughes, the person who made this film, also brought in two well-known performers to lead the story. Steve Martin and John Candy were the main people featured, and their work together is a big reason why the film has stayed popular. They are, you know, the heart of the whole thing. The movie was made by Paramount Pictures, a company that has been around for a while. This collaboration, with Hughes guiding the way and these two performers taking the lead, created something that many people have come to cherish. It’s almost like a perfect mix of talent and vision coming together.
The story itself is a road trip kind of funny movie. It’s about a man who works in advertising in Chicago and needs to get back to his home. This need to travel, to make his way back, is what kicks off all the events. The film is known for being a very popular Thanksgiving picture, and it’s often watched during that time of year. But, as a matter of fact, there’s a lot more to this long-standing favorite than just what you see on the screen. It’s got layers, you might say, that make it more than just a simple comedy about trains planes and automobiles.
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What makes this story of trains planes and automobiles so special?
A big part of what makes this film stand out is how well it was put together and how true the characters feel. It’s built upon the basic qualities of its performers, meaning that Steve Martin and John Candy were just right for the roles they played. When something is put together well and the people in it are ideal choices, everything else tends to unfold with ease. This natural flow is something that audiences really connect with, and it’s a key reason why the picture has held up so well over time. It just feels right, doesn't it?
A look at the main characters
Steve Martin, who plays Neal Page, and John Candy, as Del Griffith, are truly great in their parts. They portray two individuals who have a talent for turning a bad situation into something even worse. If a moment is tough, amusing, or just plain unbelievable, it seems to happen to Neal. This dynamic between the two, one trying to keep things together and the other seemingly a magnet for trouble, is a central part of the film's appeal. Their performances are, quite honestly, what makes the whole thing work. You really do feel for Neal, and you can’t help but be entertained by Del.
Neal Page, the marketing person played by Steve Martin, is in a final desperate attempt to get from New York to Chicago. He needs to make it in time for his family's Thanksgiving meal. This urgent rush sets the stage for all the unfortunate events that follow. He is a marketing executive trying to get back to his home for Thanksgiving, and he runs into many mishaps. These include being stuck with a traveling companion who is not refined and impossible to get rid of. This core struggle, basically, is what drives the entire story.
Why it’s a holiday favorite
The film is often called the most cherished Thanksgiving picture of all time. This is because it touches on themes that are very relatable during the holiday season, like the desire to be with family and the often-stressful experience of travel. The humor comes from the common frustrations of travel, but there's also a warmth that comes from the unexpected bond that forms between the two main characters. It’s a picture that, in some respects, feels like a warm blanket on a cold holiday night, offering both laughs and a bit of comfort. It’s just a little bit of everything you want in a holiday watch.
The way the story is put together, with its focus on the actors' true selves, helps it feel very real and believable, even with all the wild things that happen. This thoughtful making and ideal choice of performers means that everything else unfolds with ease. It's not forced, you know? This quality makes it a comfortable watch, something that feels familiar and welcoming, which is perfect for a holiday setting. People often look for films that feel like an old friend during these times, and this one, with its focus on trains planes and automobiles, certainly fits that bill.
How do the characters handle their travel troubles with trains planes and automobiles?
The main character, Neal, finds his flight sent to a different spot, Wichita, which is not where he planned to go. Because of this, he hesitantly joins forces with Del Griffith. Del is described as an individual who is not refined and impossible to get rid of, always there, no matter what. This reluctant partnership is the spark for much of the film's humor and its more touching moments. It’s almost like fate brought these two very different people together for a memorable trip. And stuff, that's what makes it so engaging.
The unexpected travel companion
The interactions between Neal and Del are what really make the story go. Steve Martin and John Candy, as Neal and Del, are absolutely wonderful. They portray two guys with a talent for turning a bad situation into something worse. If it's tough, amusing, or just plain unbelievable, it happens to Neal. This includes everything from car troubles to unexpected overnight stays in less-than-ideal places. Their back-and-forth, the way they deal with each other's quirks and habits, is a big part of the picture's lasting charm, and it's all about their struggles with trains planes and automobiles.
The film shows a series of mishaps that anyone who has traveled during a busy holiday might recognize. From planes being grounded to cars breaking down, the story captures the frustration and the sometimes absurd nature of trying to get from one place to another when everything seems to be working against you. Yet, through all these challenges, the bond between Neal and Del slowly, and sometimes awkwardly, begins to form. It’s a testament to the performances that you can laugh at their misfortunes while also feeling a bit of warmth for their growing connection. You know, it’s just a very human story.
Beyond the laughs - what else can we find in trains planes and automobiles?
While the film is certainly a humorous picture, it also has moments that go beyond just making people laugh. It touches on themes of patience, acceptance, and finding common ground with people who are very different from yourself. The forced closeness of the trip allows these two characters to see past their initial impressions and find something to appreciate in one another. This deeper side is what gives the film its staying power, making it more than just a simple comedy. It’s actually quite thought-provoking in its own way.
The enduring appeal
The film’s lasting appeal can be seen in how people continue to talk about it, review it, and watch trailers for it. Websites that collect reviews and ratings, like Rotten Tomatoes, show how critics and audience members feel about the picture. You can stay updated with what people think about it today. This continued discussion means the film still holds a place in popular culture, especially when the holidays roll around. It’s a story that, quite simply, resonates with people year after year, proving its status as a true favorite among films about trains planes and automobiles.
The picture’s strong making and the true qualities of its performers are often cited as reasons for its success. It is perfectly cast and put together well, and all else unfolds with ease. This means that the humor feels natural, the moments of frustration are believable, and the overall message comes across clearly. It’s a story that, in a way, feels timeless because it deals with universal experiences of travel, unexpected company, and the desire to be home for the holidays. It really is a well-loved piece of cinema.
The story of Neal Page and Del Griffith is a classic account of holiday travel gone wrong. It’s a film that has become a part of many families' holiday traditions, offering a blend of humor and heart. It reminds us that even when things go completely off track, there can still be valuable lessons and unexpected moments of connection. The film, from Paramount Pictures, remains a testament to the power of a good story, well told, with people who are just right for their parts. It truly is a picture that keeps on giving, especially when you are thinking about trains planes and automobiles.
This film continues to be a favorite, offering a look at the struggles of getting home for a special family gathering. It highlights the strong performances of Steve Martin and John Candy, who bring to life a story filled with funny and sometimes tough moments. The picture’s thoughtful making and ideal casting are key to its lasting popularity, making it a cherished part of holiday viewing for many. It truly captures the essence of a trip that goes sideways, but ends up being memorable in its own way.
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